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The rise of the internet city in China: Production and consumption of internet information

Author

Listed:
  • Feng Zhen

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Nanjing University, China)

  • Bo Wang

    (Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

  • Zongcai Wei

    (Department of Urban Planning and Design, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

Abstract

From the perspective of internet information production (IIP) and internet information consumption (IIC), we interpreted the spatial patterns of the internet industry in China based on top commercial websites. The findings demonstrated more obvious industrial clustering compared with that in Western countries, highlighting the rise of internet cities in China. The differences amongst diverse website themes generate disparities between IIP and IIC, suggesting future developmental trends of these internet cities. The specialised division of internet cities remains somewhat consistent with the local context. The government plays a key role in the early stage of China’s internet industry, enabling cities involved in internet industry at the initial stage gains first-mover advantages, leading to the uneven patterns of spatial patterns since then. Though the role of government in the development of internet industry should still be emphasised, the success of internet cities finally depends on whether their specialisation meets the market demand.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Zhen & Bo Wang & Zongcai Wei, 2015. "The rise of the internet city in China: Production and consumption of internet information," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 52(13), pages 2313-2329, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:52:y:2015:i:13:p:2313-2329
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098014547369
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Chunfang Liu & Bin Yu & Yue Zhu & Licheng Liu & Pengjie Li, 2019. "Measurement of Rural Residents’ Mobility in Western China: A Case Study of Qingyang, Gansu Province," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-21, April.
    3. Kristen Latzke & Laurie Marker & Heather Ravenscroft, 2019. "Engaging a global Facebook audience with conservation education," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 9(4), pages 437-441, December.
    4. Loo, Becky P.Y. & Wang, Bo, 2017. "Progress of e-development in China since 1998," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(9), pages 731-742.
    5. Zhang, Bin & Jin, Zhiye & Peng, Zhidao, 2018. "Bridging the Digital Divide: Making the Digital Economy Benefit to the Entire Society," 22nd ITS Biennial Conference, Seoul 2018. Beyond the boundaries: Challenges for business, policy and society 190412, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).
    6. Eran Ben-Elia & Feng Zhen, 2018. "ICT, activity space–time and mobility: new insights, new models, new methodologies," Transportation, Springer, vol. 45(2), pages 267-272, March.

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